Soul Food Restaurants near Pasadena, CA

“Miss Gloria is wonderful and her staff is amazing! Some of the best brisket I’ve ever had, very tender and flavorful. Potato salad and Mac n cheese were very delicious as well. Miss Gloria is a sweetheart of a person; I had the pleasure of conversing with her about life and family, while my food was being prepared. Her golden tips on a happy marriage (just got married last year) will stay with me forever. I will be back on future trips to Pasadena!

Congratulations on 62 years of marriage!“

“Chicken strips and fries 🍟 😋 at Aftershock they hooked us up !! thanks !! Jen and the rest of the staff !! hope to see your truck back next year !!“

“Great employees so friendly. Very good people everyday enjoy the vibe they have with the customers recommend to everyone !“

“I was in LA a couple of weeks ago on business and found this spot the day before leaving and that's my biggest regret. Wish we'd found it the first day we we're there I'd have been eating there everyday. The food and atmosphere are excellent and a live DJ playing music we all grew up on (can you dig it ✊?). The purple (grape) kool-aid was a blast from the past fo so.“

“Lost my keys somewhere along Sunset and checked in with Ceci’s to see if anyone turned them in. They didn’t but ownership was so kind and empathetic that they handed over a fresh and delicious piece of tomato focaccia for my troubles. That’s what’s called unreasonable hospitality. Thank you guys, that was incredibly sweet of you and it brightened my day.“

“My mom and I have been to a lot of Korean restaurants in LA, and Jincook is far by one of the best we've had. The quality of their food is top-notch and service was great. Now I understand the hype!

We tried...
-Galbi Jjim Braised Beef Short Ribs were incredibly soft, tender and fall of the bone, sauce was very flavorful, slightly sweet from kobucha and spicy! Portion is huge that feeds 4 people. Add cheese to elevate the flavor even more.
-Marinated Dumplings - Slightly crispy on the outside and the meat filling was flavorful. So good!
-Souvide Porkbelly -OMG melt in your mouth porkbelly slices!! So amazing!
-Chicken Katsu Curry - Perfectly fried breaded chicken on a bed of white rice and curry sauce.

Service was welcoming and inviting and our server was patient with all the questions I had. Highly recommend this place.

TIP:
-Cheap parking at the end of the street“

“12/10 service, 12/10 food. 5 stars doesn't even do it justice. If you're on the fence, make the jump!

4100 isn't a typical spot for me on a Sunday, but it definitely will be now that I know Nugtown will be there.

I've worked in the service industry and done local food reviews for 10 years across Detroit, Denver, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. This is one of the standout spots, hands down. That is saying A LOT.

Hand battered chicken, everything made to order, and Mike will let you know exactly what you need without trying to upsell and swindle you.

I take my food, specifically fried chicken, very seriously and there is not one thing that I could suggest to improve. I can't wait to tell everybody!

Thank you, Mike!!“

“Grand Central Market is fun and Wexlers was good.“

“Got to sample the food when they were a vendor at the Afro-Latinx festival event at the MOLAA earlier this year. As I trying to determine which food vendor to support as I wanted to sample food that was reflective of the event. He didn’t have his menu prominently available so I had to asked him what he was selling, he said the magic word oxtail and I was sold. Food was delicious and there sadly was no leftovers, as I scraped it clean. Not the cheapest but the food was tasty to justify, as well as the drink/juice. Definitely would recommend and would want to try the other dishes.“

“This will make you so happy I recommend you try this food right now🍾🍾“

“Love the food customer service excellent will be back #GetTheGumbo!“

“Absolutely divine food and stellar personnel, from the ladies at the front to the wait staff. Excellent experience!!“